Death of a Salesman - Act 1 and 2
Why does Charley visit? How does he feel about Willy? How and why do they insult each other?
1) He comes over to play cards; however, he does this because he could hear that Willy is about to have a mental fit and decides that whenever Willy becomes like this, Charley comes over to help ease Willy. 2) He cares about Willy and wants to help him; he offers him a job. 3) Willy starts the insult session. He's humiliated and insulted that Charley would offer him a job. They insult each other over nonsense. "Willy asks Charley why Biff is going back to Texas, but Charley tells him to let Biff go. Willy talks about the ceiling he put up in the living room, but refuses to give any details. When Charley wonders how he could put up a ceiling, Willy shouts at him that a man who can't handle tools is not a man, and calls Charley disgusting. "
Why is Willy home? Why is Linda alarmed that he's home?
He says that he is too tired to finish his trip. He says he was falling asleep and swerving off the road. Linda is worried about Willie in general. She thinks he works too hard and should not be traveling any more. She attributes Willie's swerving to bad steering in the car. She is also worried that he has smashed up the car again when he first returns.
Why does Linda tell the boys, "Get out of here, both of you, and don't come back!"?
Oblivious to Willy's deep suffering, Biff and Happy earlier abandoned their father at Frank's Chop house where they were all having dinner together.What Linda doesn't know is that without his sons, especially Biff, Willy has nothing. And with his sons, especially Biff, Willy has to face the lies that make up his life. So Willy just can't go on. There is no solution; she can't kick Biff out, and there's no way he can stay. Her husband is hopelessly doomed.
Willy praises and then curses the Chevrolet; he tells Linda that he's very well liked, and then says that people don't seem to take to him. What do these inconsistencies tell us about Willy?
Simply, Willie has a distorted sense of reality. His belief systems are often based on his manic mood swings and his distorted version of the American dream.
What is Willy's philosophy? How does Biff as a football hero embody his father's dreams? Why does Charley say Willy hasn't grown up?
Willy wants to lead the American dream. He thinks he will merely fall into it without hard work. Mere perseverance chasing the dream rather than working at something is his motto. Biff idealizes his dad but like his dad is not a star. He is good at football but not that good. An injury destroys any dream of football. Willy has not grown up because he still has childish illusions about being rich and living the American dream.
Why won't Willy work for Charley? Why is Willy able to ask Charley for money? How is Charley's view of what a salesman needs different from Willy's view?
Willy won't work for Charley as he stubbornly believes that he is better than him: despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Charley explains to Willy that "The only thing you got in this world is what you can sell." Willy, by contrast, thinks that being popular brings value. Charley tells him that it is the wealth that people are impressed with , not the person. He notes that the industrialist J P Morgan was only popular "with his pockets on."
"Five hundred gross in Providence" becomes "roughly two hundred gross on the whole trip." How does Linda take Willy's stories? What does this reveal about her? Why does Willy make a fuss about Linda's mending stockings? How is this important to the play?
1) Her neglect in confronting her Willy when he brags, "I did five hundred gross in Providence and seven hundred gross in Boston"(35), especially when she's smart enough to realize that the gross for the trip is actually two hundred, shows that Linda is attempting to protect Willy from himself. She sees what's going on, but she refuses to call him on it. Is this her weakness as a partner? Maybe, but the fact that he lies is one thing; the fact that she goes alog with it in order to save his pride is another. Linda enables him rather than helps him. 2) Willy becomes angry with Linda when she's mending stocking because, he's reminded of when he gave stockings to the "Other Woman" and Biff asked why he was giving away mom's stockings. Willy wants to start new and not have stuff mended. He wants to give Linda new stockings, so he's not reminded of the past. This is important because we get a glimpse into the Willy who wants to KEEP what he has; he doesn't want to lose his wife, but yet he doesn't want to fess up to his mistakes.
What does Linda think is the trouble with Willy's life? Why is she angry at her sons? Why does she put the rubber hose back after she had taken it? What does this tell about her?
1) Linda thinks that all of Willy's problems/troubles will be solved if he thinks he's accomplished something by making his sons successful. His feeling like a failure, in her mind, is the trouble with Willy's life. 2) She's angry because they don't care about their father and make him feel unwanted. 3) Linda puts the hose back because she wants Willy to take the hose off himself. To confront him with the hose would be to insult him and his sense of pride. This act shows how compassionate she is; she watches and knows what will best help her husband.
How does Linda treat Willy? How do the boys feel about him? Is Biff trying yo spite Willy? Why does Biff come home in the spring?
1) Linda treats Willy like he's another child. --> she tries to boost his ego and provide confidence in him 2) When the boys were younger, Willy placed many of his dreams into his son Biff. He looked at Biff's athletic abilities and probably lived his dreams through Biff's accomplishments. He was on the road often as a salesman but went his sporting events when he could. Willy's relationship with Happy was very different. Happy was often overlooked. He loved his father and would do anything to seek out his approval and attention such as bringing it to his attention that he had lost some weight. He continues to seek his father's approval even as an adult. Willy's relationship with Biff is crushed once Biff catches his father in the hotel room with a female that is not his mother. He sees that Willy has given her the stockings intended for his mother. This sets Biff back emotionally and places a wedge between his relationship with his father. 3) Unintentionally yes, after witnessing Willy cheating, Biff unconsciously rebelled against his father's hopes and dreams for Biff. Biff did this by not trying to be liked by everybody, doesn't finish school, and doesn't try to have an ambitious dream. 4) Biff comes home in between the time he spends working as a farmhand.
Why is Willy interested when Biff mentions Bill Oliver? Why do they argue? How does Happy try to capture attention?
1) Willy thinks that Bill Oliver can fund Biff's proposed sporting goods store, and give his some a chance at a career and some direction in his life. 2) Biff and Happy are talking with Linda about Willy. Biff and Happy learn that Willy is on straight commission and has been borrowing money from Charley in order to pay bills. Linda criticizes her sons for abandoning their father in order to pursue their own selfish desires, and she gives Biff a choice: Respect your father or do not come home. Biff decides to stay in New York, but he reminds Linda that Willy threw him out of the house. He also tells Linda that Willy is a "fake." It is at this point that Linda informs her sons that Willy is suicidal; Willy overhears his wife and sons talking, and he and Biff argue. 3) Happy describes Biff's plan to open his own business
What does Willy's reaction to Biff's theft of the football tell us about Willy? He says the boys look like Adonises. What other clues show that Willy believes in appearances?
Adonis was a Greek demigod who was considered the most handsome of all the gods. He was a model of perfection and unattainability. In saying that his sons look like Adonises, he is saying that they are perfect models of, in his case and in the context of the themes of this play, the American Dream because they have reached such perfection through their abilities. Most parents would scold their sons for theft of any kind, but Willy's reaction is quite the opposite, instead taking pride in his sons abilities and perfection.
Who is Ben? Why does Ben appear? What does Willy think about the future? About the past? What does Ben teach Biff? Why does Willy feel "kind of temporary" about himself and want Ben to stay?
Ben is Willy's adventurous and lucky older brother. Of course, he's dead, so he only appears in the play as a character in Willy's troubled imagination. Willy totally idolizes Ben because he was an adventurer who escaped the world of business and got rich quick by finding diamonds in the African jungle. One of Willy's lifelong regrets is that he didn't go with his brother to Alaska. Unlike Willy, Ben was able to take a risk and stray from the world of fierce ambition and competition. Willy interprets Ben's good fortune as undeniable proof that his dreams of making it big are realistic. Willy also associates Ben with knowledge and self-awareness, qualities that he himself is severely lacking. Willy always wants advice, and Ben gives it. Of course, it's frequently not very good advice, and, actually and is usually the product of Willy's own imagination. In his imagined conversations with his brother, Willy pries him for information about their father, about how he succeeded financially, and for advice about parenting Biff and Happy. It's hard to talk about Ben and his responses to these pleas, since he is either a memory of the past or a figment of the imagination. And, with Willy's complete lack of credibility, it's hard to tell even these apart. But one thing we can take as true with reasonable confidence is the scene where Ben fights Biff. Ben wins, but only by cheating, informing the boy that that's the only way to win. There's some sketchiness surrounding his success in Africa (we're thinking he wasn't just handed the diamonds and sent along his way). He even says, in Willy's imaginings, "The jungle is dark but full of diamonds." That's big stuff right there. Considering Ben's self-serving nature and amoral proclivities, the word "dark" connotes more than just shadows under the trees. We're not going so far as to say words like "evil" or "Darth Vader," but Ben's success is certainly blemished by his apparent use of cheating to get what he wants.
How does Biff's realization that his life is a lie underline the theme of the play? Why does Biff take Bill Oliver's fountain pen? Why can't he tell his father what happened with Bill Oliver? Why do Biff and Happy leave Willy at the restaurant?
Biff takes the pen because it is something biff will never have. The pen in itself is a metaphor for he American dream- a dream that was attained by his father but never fully fulfilled, meaning that people are never really satisfied with what they have, they always want more. They leave his father at the restaurant because they are embarrassed by him. Biff cannot tell his father because he realizes that he wants more from his life he wants a better life a life that his father struggled all his life for.
Why did Biff go to Boston? What does he discover when he sees the Woman? Why is it that Biff never went to summer school? Why can't he believe in his father?
Biff went to Boston to catch up with his beloved father before his college visit. When he finds his father with another woman, he realizes that Willy is truly a fake, and does not have the great qualities which Biff had formerly believed his father held. Biff does not attend the summer school as he has given up on success - for himself and his family. His father's moral weakness reminds Biff of his own shortcomings - his proclivity to steal, for instance - and that his father's encouragement and faith in the family to succeed had no real foundation.
Why does Biff confront Willy and Happy?
Biff, Will & Happy are in Death of a Salesman. Biff explains to Happy that he didn't get the money, and Happy encourages his brother to lie to Willy. Willy arrives. Biff tries to tell Willy that he didn't get the money and that he stole a fountain pen from Bill. However, Happy is at the same time lying to Willy that Bill warmly welcomed Biff. Willy apparently accepts Happy's version. Biff later confronts Willy about his suicide attempt. Willy takes this as an indication that Biff loves him and celebrates by committing suicide to give his family his life insurance.
What does Biff do that elates Willy? How does Happy try to attract Willy's attention? How does Ben influence Willy at this point?
During the climax of the play back at home after the scene at Frank's Chop House, Biff confronts Willy about his epiphany. Biff realizes that the perceptions he had held for his entire life (that Willy instilled into him) up till this point were false. Willy essentially says that Biff is only saying this to spite him, Biff then begins to cry for his father's delusional and forgone state. At this point, Willy replies "isn't that remarkable? Biff- He likes me!" Happy, being the more burdensome and less loved son tries to attract attention to both of his parents attention by saying "I've lost weight" and "I'm getting married, Mom. I wanted to tell you." He's either just brushed off, or ignored completely. During the requiem, he vows to pursue his father's life as to not have Willy's death be in vain, being another example of his attempt to gain reassurance and love from a very unloving family. At the end, Ben changes from the only one whom had deterred Willy from killing himself, into approving and convincing him that it is the only way to leave his legacy for Biff.
Why won't Happy go out West with Biff, and why won't Biff stay? Why doesn't either son get married and settle down?
The answers to both questions lie in the complicated relationships between sons and father. Happy, as the younger son, has grown up in Biff's shadow. He feels a deep-seated need to prove himself to his father. Hence, he won't go west until he can achieve his father's approval. Biff can't stay because he has no respect for Willy. Ever since he discovered his father's affair years ago, Biff harbors a hatred and disgust for his father which often erupts in anger. It also leaves him unable to be satisfied in any job or location for very long: thus, his restless wandering. The second question is a bit more difficult to answer, but falls under the same reasons as the first. While we can't really answer why someone doesn't get married (I mean, it's not like one can walk up to a stranger and marry instantly), we can trace the problems in Biff and Happy's relationships. Happy is a notorious adulterer and womanizer. Biff never mentions a girlfriend, and seems uncomfortable with the idea. Both of these problems trace back to Willy's relationship with Linda. The sons have seen their mother bullied, emotionally abused, and ignored their entire lives. Biff also knows his father has cheated on his mother. So there's definitely unresolved issues in dealing with their parents' relationship. This is the most likely reason that Happy and Biff cannot "settle down".
How has the neighborhood changed? Why does it matter to the story that his surroundings are no longer the way they used to be?
The neighborhood use to be more open, with space and trees and a good view. The houses were new and well kept. This represents the ideal of the American dream. Since then, the neighborhood has decayed, Willie's house in particular. Willie's dream has died, just like the neighborhood. Willie is also all about the style over substance. The decaying neighborhood illustrates just how faulty that thinking is.
Why does Willy tell Howard about Dave Singleman? Describe the dramatic effect when Howard listens to the voices of his family while Willy tries to talk business. Why does Howard tell Willy to drop off his samples and forbid him to go to Boston? Why is this such a blow to Willy?
This of course is a highly significant scene as it comes as Willy gets fired by the company that he has worked for for so long. Willy refers to Dave Singleman as he is a deeply important figure for Willy, and inspired him to become a salesman in the first place. Dave Singleman, to Willy, captures the essence of being a travelling salesman. He workes until the age of 84 successfully earning his living as a salesman and was immensely popular. Note how Willy was struck by meeting Dave Singleman: And when I saw that, I realised that selling was the greatest career a man could want. 'Cause what could be more satisfying than to be able to go, at the age of eighty-four, into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people? Not only does Dave Singleman therefore represent the reason why Willy went into his particular profession, but he also represents the way in which being a travelling salesman has changed. Back then, Willy tells Howard, it was all about "personality," with the opportunity to "bring friendship to bear." Now, as the efficient, slick and ruthless way with which Howard treats Willy amply demonstrates, it is "all cut and dried." Again we have another example of Willy being unable to accept the reality of the present and looking back to a brighter and better past.
How does Willy act toward the boys when they are young? How do they act toward him? How does Willy feel about Charley and Bernard?
When the boys were younger Willy placed many of his dreams into his son Biff. He looked at Biff's athletic abilities and probably lived his dreams through Biff's accomplishments. He was on the road often as a salesman but went his sporting events when he could. Willy's relationship with Happy was very different. Happy was often overlooked. He loved his father and would do anything to seek out his approval and attention such as bringing it to his attention that he had lost some weight. He continues to seek his father's approval even as an adult. Willy's relationship with Biff is crushed once Biff catches his father in the hotel room with a female that is not his mother. He sees that Willy has given her the stockings intended for his mother. This sets Biff back emotionally and places a wedge between his relationship with his father. Willy respected Charley later in his life, as he often asked for money from him; however, before, Willy did not believe that Charley or his son Bernard had what it took to be successful. Willy also went to Bernard to ask him to help "tutor" Biff, which means that on some level Willy respected Bernard as well.
Why does willy keep planting seeds where they've never grown before? Why does Willy think Biff will be impressed with his funeral? Why does Ben say that Biff will call Willy a fool?
Willy does not wish to give up on his hopes for a future and some kind of memory of himself or his existence after death. This is why he plants the seeds. He hopes that his funeral will be well attended, and that this will impress Biff. Biff sees that there are much more important qualities than popularity, which is why he will see this final act as foolish.
What is Willy's impression of Bernard when he sees him in his father's office? Why does Willy exaggerate Biff's importance? Why does Bernard ask what happened after the game at Ebbets Field?
Willy goes to Charley's office to borrow money meets Bernard, Charley offers him a job and Willy is again furious at the 'insult'. Willy sees Biff's admission as a sign that Biff likes him and decides to leave him the money he will be 'magnificent'. Willy is amazed to see that Bernard has done so well for himself. He is surprised to know that Bernard is a lawyer, that he has a case pending in D.C., and that he knows people who own their own tennis court in their houses. When Willy tries to embellish Biff in front of Bernard, he finds no other choice but to, sort of, give up. Hence, in an act of complete humbleness, Willy asks Bernard Willy: What- what's the secret? Bernard: What secret, Willy? Willy: How- how did you? Why didn't he ever catch on? Here is when the most important conversation in the play occurs. Both, Willy and Bernard agree that, after that one Ebbet's Field game, Biff ends up flunking Math, and ruining his chances for college, unless he goes to Summer school. It is then when Biff starts his deep disconnect with the rest of the world. Bernard tells Willy that, after Biff flunked Math in High School, Biff was more than willing to go to Summer school and re-do the class. However, right after Biff visits Willy in New England, everything in Biff's life changes. Willy is shocked to hear this revelation. This is when we find out exactly what happened that day: Biff had gone to New England to vent with his father the fact that he flunked Math, only to realize that his Dad was there with a mistress. The image of "The Willy Loman" that had fed his ego is now, officially, dead. In turn, Biff's own self-perception dies with it as well. After all, he is just a creation of his father's own missing ego. Hence, the encounter with Willy and the mistress is the triggering event that ruins and changes Biff's life, for good.
In the restaurant, how does Happy reflect Willy's values? Why does Miller have the girls come in?
Willy has a secret that he seems to have kept from himself for a very long time. Or at least it's a secret that he hasn't taken out and looked at very often in the years since he kicked Biff out of the house. Willy was having an affair with a woman up in Boston, and Biff discovered it when he went to the hotel to get his father to help him with his math teacher who had flunked him. This discovery was a singular turning point in the relationship between Willy and Biff and a major turning point in Biff's life as well. The two women Happy arranges for in Frank's Chop House that last night of Willy's life are a foreshadowing and a deadly trigger for Willy's memory of that night long ago (but oh, so present) in Boston. And what values of Willy's does Happy exhibit in the restaurant? Happy, like Willy, is a salesman, and he snows the first woman into believing that he sells Champagne and that his brother Biff is a big football star. He's con man, a joker, and a womanizer just like his old man. Nothing serious, I suppose, but more than serious enough for that particular evening. And don't forget, Biff runs out of the restaurant, and Happy, along with the two women, follows him, leaving Willy, with his past and his regrets, alone on the bathroom floor. Happy, who Willy always favored less than Biff, pays his father back with his own thoughtless disregard.
Why is Willy's mood upbeat at the start of Act Two? What does he expect to happen?
Willy has been duped by his reliance on an idealistic and unrealistic American Dream. Having been "caught up" by his sons plans to open a sporting good store, he begins Act II full of hope and energy. He imagines that Biff will get the loan from Oliver; that he, Willy, will get the transfer to a non-traveling job when he asks for it; that the boys will open their sporting store and become a huge success. When Linda tells him that the boys have said they want to take him to dinner, Willy imagines Biff announcing that he has received the loan while Willy himself announces that he has a new job.
Why is Willy annoyed at Biff? How does he describe biff? What does this tell us about Willy?
Willy is annoyed that Biff is not putting his talent, looks and personality, to use to make money. He describes Biff as lazy then just a few sentences later says that one thing about Biff is that he is not lazy. We learn about Willy's slipping grasp of reality, as he will continuously mix the past with the present. It lets us know that Willy is living vicariously through his sons. He did not achieve his own goals and he hopes that his sons will use the values that he holds dear and has instilled in them to become successful, thus validating his own superficial views on life and success.
Why doesn't Willy want to see Linda? Why does he think Biff is spiting him? Why does Biff show him the rubber hose?
Willy is embarrassed at the enormity of his thoughtless actions, and he realizes their impact in Act II. He is unable to secure an easier position with Howard and Bernard confirms his suspicions that Biff 'gave up on life' after seeing him with the woman in Boston. After his breakdown in the restaurant and being abandoned by his sons, he is confronted with his own failure. Biff is desperate to bring his father to the realization that greatness is not in the destiny of any of the Loman's. He shows Willy the pipe to reinforce his fallibility, and confronts his father and his brother to see their own flaws. Willy does not want to accept that his sons are as doomed as he is, and believes Biff is spiting him.
